Meet the group

We, the group, thought it would be a good idea to make a short little video about ourselves.

Enjoy!

Site Updates

Update: I have figured out why the picture and video are not showing up. In school the video is not showing because it is a youtube video. The picture of our Team Food is not showing because our school filter is blocking part of blogger site for nudism pictures. This is happening because any pictures can be uploaded to blogger and when one image is blocked all of them become blocked.

I have re-opened the poll until May 20th. Also, I know some people are having trouble seeing the video and pictures we are posting. If you are prompt to install plugins to view the images, I suggest you do it. If you can not see the pictures leave a comment so I can find out who and what exactly you need.
I can not tell which plugin for sure you need, I have many installed so I am not 100% sure.

Child Abuse

Written by: Justine Aurellano

Child abuse is the physical or psychological mistreatment of children. It is any act of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. It affects children at any age and can leave both physical and emotional scars to last a lifetime. Whether the abuse is physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect, the scars can be deep and long-lasting, often leading to future child abuse. Victims of child abuse often grow up to believe that they have no value and that they cannot affect the world around them with good behavior. They become at risk of developing psychiatric problems or a disorganized attatchment style, which may lead to a number of developmental problems, including dissocative symptoms, anxiety, depression, and acting-out symptoms.


Child abuse happens in many different ways, but the result is the same- serious physical or emotional harm. Physical or sexual abuse may be the most obvious types of abuse, since they often leave evidence behind. However, emotional abuse and neglect are serious types of child abuse that are often more subtle and difficult to spot. Child neglect is the most common type of child abuse.

Child Abuse Can Be..

• physical - shaking, hitting, beating, burning, or biting a child.
• emotional - constantly blaming or putting down a child; excessive yelling, shaming.
• sexual - incest, any forced sexual activity, exposure to sexual stimulation not appropriate for the child's age.
• neglect - a pattern of failure to provide for the child's physical needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care; a pattern of failure to provide for the child's emotional needs, such as affection, attention, and supervision.

All types of child abuse and neglect leave lasting scars. Some of these scars might be physical, but emotional scarring has long lasting effects throughout life, damaging a child’s sense of self and ability to have healthy relationships. One of the most painful effects of child abuse is its tendency to repeat itself. One of every three abused or neglected children will grow up to become an abusive parent.

Signs of Child Abuse in The Child

• Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance.
• Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention.
• Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes.
• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen.
• Lacks adult supervision.
• Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn.
• Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home.

Signs of Child Abuse in The Parent

• Shows little concern for the child.
• Denies the existence of—or blames the child for—the child's problems in school or at home.
• Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves.
• Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome.
• Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve.
• Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs.
  

Signs of Child Abuse in The Parent and Child

• Rarely touch or look at each other.
• Consider their relationship entirely negative.
• State that they do not like each other.
  

Each week, child protective services agencies throughout the United States receive more than 50,000 reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. In 2002, 2.6 million reports concerning the welfare of approximately 4.5 million children were made. In approximately two-thirds of these cases, the information provided in the report was sufficient to prompt an assessment or investigation. As a result of these investigations, approximately 896,000 children were found to have been victims of abuse or neglect—an average of more than 2,450 children per day. That's a disturbingly large amount of children..

Many people are reluctant to get involved in other families’ lives. However, by reporting, you can make a tremendous difference in the life of a child and the child’s family, especially if you help stop the abuse early. To get help, call 1-800-4-A-CHILD or visit http://www.childhelp.org/.

Remember, it shouldn't hurt to be a child..

Team Food

Made by Bees n Honey!

Physical Abuse

Written by: Nick "Mac Daddy" Maccarrone

Physical abuse is physical force or violence that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. It includes assault, battery, and inappropriate restraint.

Physical abuse consists of anything one person does to another that causes physical pain. This includes slapping, pinching, punching, pushing, throwing objects at another person, assaulting someone with an object or anything that brings about physical pain or discomfort to another. Physical abuse can result in bruises, black eyes, knocked out teeth, broken bones, internal organ injuries, miscarriage, brain concussions, and even death.

Most individuals are surprised when they become a victim of physical abuse. Women or men who may have been physically abused by their partner in the past may feel surprised when it happens again. Other victims may walk around knowing that their partner may become physically abusive at any time. Some victims take on guilt about the physical abuse they are receiving, as if they are somehow to blame. However, there are victims of domestic violence who live in denial that they are in an abusive relationship. Some abused individuals may even make excuses for their partner who is abusing them.

Who are the perpetrators?

Perpetrators may be acquaintances, sons, daughters, grandchildren, or others. Physical abuse that is perpetrated by spouses or intimate partners in order to gain power and control over the victim is described in the section on domestic violence. Perpetrators are likely to be unmarried, to live with their victims, and to be unemployed. Some perpetrators have alcohol or substance abuse problems. Some are caregivers for those they abuse.

Who is at risk?

As a group, victims of physical abuse do not differ significantly from seniors who are not abused.
What are the indicators?
Indicators are signs or clues that abuse has occurred. Physical indicators may include injuries or bruises, while behavioral indicators are ways victims and abusers act or interact with each other. Many of the indicators listed below can be explained by other causes and no single indicator can be taken as conclusive proof. Rather, one should look for patterns or clusters of indicators that suggest a problem.
Physical indicators

• Sprains, dislocations, fractures, or broken bones.
• Burns from cigarettes, appliances, or hot water.
• Abrasions on arms, legs, or torso that resemble rope or strap marks.
• Internal injuries evidenced by pain, difficulty with normal functioning of organs.

Bruises- The following types of bruises are rarely accidental:

• Bilateral- bruising to the arms.
• Bilateral bruising of the inner thighs.
• "Wrap around" bruises that encircle an older person's arms, legs, or torso.
• Multicolored bruises-indicating that they were sustained over time.
• Injuries healing through "secondary intention"- indicating that they did not receive appropriate care.
• Signs of traumatic hair and tooth loss
• Behavioral indicators
• Injuries are unexplained or explanations are implausible.
• Family members provide different explanations of how injuries were sustained.
• A history of similar injuries, and/or numerous or suspicious hospitalizations.
• Victims are brought to different medical facilities for treatment to prevent medical practitioners from observing a pattern of abuse.
• Delay between onset of injury and seeking medical care.

Emotional Abuse

Written by: Daniel Hughes

Various forms of abuse exist throughout the world. One form that isn’t as common as physical or verbal abuse is emotional abuse. Emotional abuse occurs usually when parents emotionally and psychologically abuse their child who is in need of support and love. Various forms of emotional abuse deal with ignoring, rejecting, isolating, exploiting or corrupting, verbally assaulting, terrorizing, or neglecting a child or person. Emotional abuse occurs in all types of families, regardless of there backgrounds. One would think their parents want what’s best for their children. However, sometimes parents emotionally and psychologically abuse their children due to stress, problems in their own families, problems at work, or even life’s problems in general. They might even emotionally abuse their children because they themselves were emotionally abused when they were younger.

Emotional abuse can have various different effects. Children who are ignored, rejected, isolated, exploited, verbally assaulted, terrorized, or neglected by their parents growing up suffer just as much if not more than children who are physically abused. Although the signs of emotional abuse in children can be initially hard to notice, one can tell due to the behavior of the child. If the child is noticeably depressed, has low self-esteem, bad behavior, suffers from withdrawal, shows signs of alcohol or drug abuse, or stays away from relationships with others, the child most likely is suffering from emotional abuse at home. Emotionally abused children usually grow up feeling degraded or left out in some way. Unfortunately these children live their lives feeling like this and when they have kids they make them feel the way they felt growing up.

Emotional abuse can also be prevented and identified. Emotional abuse that exists independently of other forms of abuse is the most difficult form of child abuse to identify and stop. This is because child protective services must have demonstrable evidence that harm to a child has been done before they can do anything about it. And, since emotional abuse doesn’t result in physical evidence such as bruising or malnutrition, it can be very hard to diagnose and if it is not diagnosed it will most likely continue to occur. Professionals that identify emotional abuse are taught to identify risk factors for emotional abuse, ask questions about the family’s history and behaviors, and provide parental classes and financial resources to help parents and guardians create safe, stable environments for their children.


Other important information consists of forms of emotional abuse:

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”. This old saying could not be farther from the truth. Emotional child abuse may seem invisible. However, because emotional child abuse involves behavior that interferes with a child’s mental health or social development, the effects can be extremely damaging and may even leave deeper lifelong psychological scars than physical abuse.
Emotional child abuse takes many forms, in words and in actions.

· Words. Examples of how words can hurt include constant belittling, shaming, and humiliating a child, calling names and making negative comparisons to others, or constantly telling a child he or she is “no good,” “worthless,” “bad,” or “a mistake.” How the words are spoken can be terrifying to a child as well, such as yelling, threatening, or bullying.

· Actions. Basic food and shelter may be provided, but withholding love and affection can have devastating effects on a child. Examples include ignoring or rejecting a child, giving him or her the silent treatment. Another strong component of emotional abuse is exposing the child to inappropriate situations or behavior. Especially damaging is witnessing acts that cause a feeling of helplessness and horror, such as in domestic violence or watching another sibling or pet be abused.

· Behavioral signs. Since emotional child abuse does not leave concrete marks, the effects may be harder to detect. Is the child excessively shy, fearful or afraid of doing something wrong? Behavioral extremes may also be a clue. A child may be constantly trying to parent other children for example, or on the opposite side exhibit antisocial behavior such as uncontrolled aggression. Look for inappropriate age behaviors as well, such as an older child exhibiting behaviors more commonly found in younger children.

· Caregiver signs. Does a caregiver seem unusually harsh and critical of a child, belittling and shaming him or her in front of others? Has the caregiver shown anger or issues with control in other areas? A caregiver may also seem strangely unconcerned with a child’s welfare or performance. Keep in mind that there might not be immediate caregiver signs. Tragically, many emotionally abusive caregivers can present a kind outside face to the world, making the abuse of the child all the more confusing and scary.

Information was provided by: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/child_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm

For more information please see the link above

To help stop emotional abuse, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Domestic Abuse

Written by: Amanda"Bees n Honey" Bee


There are many different types of abuse. A type of abuse that we find common between many couples is called domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is not only physical; it can leave many emotional scars within an individual. Now you ask an important question: What is domestic abuse? "Domestic abuse, which is also called spousal abuse, occurs when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person". This action involves violence, manipulation, and guilt. Acts of domestic abuse can be committed by men and women. Studies show, however, that acts of domestic abuse tend to be more common among men in romantic relationships. It is important to know that these acts of violence are not out of impulse; the abuser is more than likely aware of what they are doing.

There are six common actions taken by those who which to gain power over their spouse:

• Dominance — Abusive individuals need to feel in charge of the relationship. They will make decisions for you and the family, tell you what to do, and expect you to obey without question. Your abuser may treat you like a servant, child, or even as his possession.
• Humiliation — An abuser will do everything he can to make you feel bad about yourself, or defective in some way. After all, if you believe you're worthless and that no one else will want you, you're less likely to leave. Insults, name-calling, shaming, and public put-downs are all weapons of abuse designed to erode your self-esteem and make you feel powerless.
• Isolation — In order to increase your dependence on him, an abusive partner will cut you off from the outside world. He may keep you from seeing family or friends, or even prevent you from going to work or school. You may have to ask permission to do anything, go anywhere, or see anyone. Source: Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, MN
• Threats — Abusers commonly use threats to keep their victims from leaving or to scare them into dropping charges. Your abuser may threaten to hurt or kill you, your children, other family members, or even pets. He may also threaten to commit suicide, file false charges against you, or report you to child services.
• Intimidation — Your abuser may use a variety of intimation tactics designed to scare you into submission. Such tactics include making threatening looks or gestures, smashing things in front of you, destroying property, hurting your pets, or putting weapons on display. The clear message is that if you don't obey, there will be violent consequences.
• Denial and blame — Abusers are very good at making excuses for the inexcusable. They will blame their abusive and violent behavior on a bad childhood, a bad day, and even on the victims of their abuse. Your abuser may minimize the abuse or deny that it occurred. He will commonly shift the responsibility onto you: Somehow, his violence and abuse is your fault.

It is believed that domestic abuse has its own "cycle":

• Abuse — The abuser lashes out with aggressive or violent behavior. The abuse is a power play designed to show the victim "who is boss."

• Guilt — After the abusive episode, the abuser feels guilt, but not over what he's done to the victim. The guilt is over the possibility of being caught and facing consequences.
• Rationalization or excuses — The abuser rationalizes what he's done. He may come up with a string of excuses or blame the victim for his own abusive behavior—anything to shift responsibility from himself.
• "Normal" behavior — The abuser does everything he can to regain control and keep the victim in the relationship. He may act as if nothing has happened, or he may turn on the charm. This peaceful honeymoon phase may give the victim hope that the abuser has really changed this time.
• Fantasy and planning — The abuser begins to fantasize about abusing his victim again, spending a lot of time thinking about what she's done wrong and how he'll make her pay. Then he makes a plan for turning the fantasy of abuse into reality.
• Set-up — The abuser sets up the victim and puts his plan in motion, creating a situation where he can justify abusing her.

This information was provided by http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm

To learn more, visit the link shown above.



Another important question: What are the signs of domestic abuse? Some signs of domestic abuse include fear, helplessness, humiliation, embarassment, threat, violence, jealousy, etc. There is domestic abuse all around us. It is now our job now to put an end to abuse and make a drastic change. If you feel that you are in an abusive relationship, get help. It is never too late to stop the violence.



If you notice signs of domestic abuse or are a victim to domestic abuse, there is help.

NaNational Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)tional Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Verbal Abuse

Written by: Scott Ford


What is Verbal Abuse?
Verbal abuse, also known as reviling, is a type of abusive behavior using language. Now, before I go into talking about verbal abuse, I want everyone to know the signs of verbal abuse caused by the abuser.

• Actions of ignoring, ridiculing, disrespecting, and criticizing others consistently.
• A manipulation of words.
• Purposeful humiliation of others.
• Accusing others falsely for the purpose of manipulating a person's decision making.
• Manipulating people to submit to undesirable behavior.
• Making others feel unwanted and unloved.
• Threatening to leave the family destitute.
• Placing the blame and cause of the abuse onto others.
• Isolating a person from some type of support system, consisting of friends or family.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbal_abuse

In order to know you are being Verbally abused, you need to know what a healthy relationship is and what you want. The abuser wants to be in control, if he/she does not like the way you are, they will convince you through anger to change that. This is why females are verbally abused so easily. Most people will say females get more attached then males, but we will not argue if this is true or not. This will be solely an example. If a female falls for a male, and he constantly tells her she is ugly and fat, the female will try to change her apperance for him. Now, we know it would be easier to walk away, but when you are attached to someone that is not easy to do. Most of the time the male is the abuser, but there are cases where the female is the abuser.

If your partner can not respect, love, and care for you for the person you are, then there is a good chance you will receive verbal abuse. The healing process can be very hard. First, you really need to recognize that you are being abused. You need to confront the abuser, and right away you will be hit with denial. The abuser always denies what he/she is doing, and will say something along the lines of "What is your problem". They still want to show control, and their goal is to make you feel bad and wrong. If you can get past that, you are more then on the right track for your healing process.

The abuser, usually becomes abusive because he/she has been abused in the past. You need to get into their head, and figure out why they do it. The main reason most of the time is because they have been abused, and then become the abuser to learn to deal with it, by doing it themselves.

Watch what you say to the people that mean most to you. Words, are the most hurtful weapon. Verbal abuse, tends to lead to physical, emotional, and even sexual abuse.



"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

Welcome to Cookies 'n Cream

Welcome to Cookies 'n Cream, a blog by five Paramus Catholic students who are taking a Faith and Media Class. In this blog, we will be talking about the different kinds of abuse. So stay tuned over the next few weeks to see our posting.

Before I end this short introduction, let me tell you how and why we came up with the name Cookies 'n Cream. We were told to pick a name for our group. We had come up with "NAADS". It was all of our initials, but that name got denied by our teacher. So Nick, who is one of the five students apart of the group, said "Cookies 'n Cream and for some reason we all liked it. That is all it took for us to pick out our name. Now that I think of it, I am not sure if it was Nick or someone else, but anyway that is how we got our name.